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2025 Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Southeast Region

126 Colleges in the Southeast Region
11,126 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$37,575 Avg Early-Career Salary
Political Science & Government is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #20 most popular major in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 126 schools in the Southeast Region to determine which ones were the best for political science & government students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 11,126 degrees in political science & government to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Political Science & Government School

Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Southeast Region The political science program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Political Science & Government rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for political science & government schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Political Science & Government Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Political Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science
Master's Degrees in Political Science
Doctor's Degrees in Political Science

The political science school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Southeast Region. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Political Science & Government in the Southeast Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the political science degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Southeast Region Schools in Political Science

1
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$54,970 Median Starting Salary

Duke University is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in political science & government. Duke is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Durham. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were roughly 133 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Duke University get an earnings boost of around $17,395 over the typical income of political science & government graduates.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Duke University

2
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
124 Political Science Degrees Awarded
21.0% Growth in Graduates

Any student who is interested in political science & government needs to take a look at Vanderbilt University. Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 124 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government degree recipients from Vanderbilt University get an earnings boost of around $9,268 above the typical earnings of political science & government graduates.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Vanderbilt University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Political Science Program Name

Gain a solid understanding of American political history, the current political landscape, and the major political parties with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University
3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
365 Political Science Degrees Awarded
1.4% Growth in Graduates

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in political science & government. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 365 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Political Science & Government degree recipients from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill get an earnings boost of approximately $3,625 over the average earnings of political science & government majors.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
126 Political Science Degrees Awarded
9.5% Growth in Graduates

Every student who is interested in political science & government needs to take a look at University of Virginia - Main Campus. University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the midsize suburb of Charlottesville. A Best Colleges rank of #35 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were about 126 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Those political science & government students who get their degree from University of Virginia - Main Campus receive $8,300 more than the standard political science student.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Virginia - Main Campus

5
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
453 Political Science Degrees Awarded
10.2% Growth in Graduates

UF is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 452.99999999999994 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the political science program state that they receive average early career earnings of $31,574.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Florida

6
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
197 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$42,114 Median Starting Salary

Virginia Tech is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were approximately 197 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the political science & government program at Virginia Tech earn $4,539 more than the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Virginia Tech

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
175 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$41,265 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of New Orleans, Tulane is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #95 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Tulane is a great university overall.

There were approximately 175 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Tulane in the most recent data year. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Tulane University of Louisiana make $3,690 more than the typical political science grad.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Tulane University of Louisiana

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
239 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$39,842 Median Starting Salary

UGA is a fairly large public university located in the city of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 239 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from University of Georgia make $2,267 more than the standard political science grad.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Georgia

9
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
483 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$35,760 Median Starting Salary

Florida State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tallahassee. This university ranks 2nd out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 483 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the political science program make about $35,760 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Florida State University

10
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$41,317 Median Starting Salary

William & Mary is a medium-sized public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. This school ranks 5th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 142 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent data year. Political Science & Government degree recipients from William & Mary receive an earnings boost of about $3,742 over the average income of political science & government majors.

More information about a degree in political science & government from William & Mary

11
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$46,629 Median Starting Salary

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were roughly 85 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Emory University receive $9,054 more than the standard political science student.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Emory University

12
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 Political Science Degrees Awarded
6.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #76 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Wake Forest University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 133 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent year we have data available. Those political science & government students who get their degree from Wake Forest University make $9,586 more than the typical political science grad.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Wake Forest University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
218 Political Science Degrees Awarded
0.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 218 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Political Science & Government degree recipients from George Mason University earn a boost of about $8,271 over the average earnings of political science & government graduates.

More information about a degree in political science & government from George Mason University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
205 Political Science Degrees Awarded
2.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were approximately 205 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients usually make about $33,157 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of South Carolina - Columbia

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In VA
69 Political Science Degrees Awarded

Washington and Lee is a small private not-for-profit university located in the town of Lexington. A Best Colleges rank of #77 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Washington and Lee is a great university overall.

There were approximately 69 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Washington and Lee in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Washington and Lee University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
171 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$29,728 Median Starting Salary

UT Knoxville is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Knoxville. This university ranks 2nd out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 171 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent data year. After graduation, political science degree recipients generally make around $29,728 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in political science & government from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Political Science Degrees Awarded
1.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Tuscaloosa, UA is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were about 221 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, political science degree recipients generally earn about $32,699 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in political science & government from The University of Alabama

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
186 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$34,965 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Tampa, USF Tampa is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 186 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the political science program make around $34,965 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of South Florida - Main Campus

19
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
127 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$42,128 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Harrisonburg, JMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 127 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the political science & government program at James Madison University earn $4,553 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in political science & government from James Madison University

20
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 Political Science Degrees Awarded
1.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 101 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the political science program report average early career earnings of $33,867.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Miami

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
161 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$30,771 Median Starting Salary

Louisiana State University is a fairly large public university located in the city of Baton Rouge. This university ranks 2nd out of 30 colleges for overall quality in the state of Louisiana.

There were about 161 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the political science program make around $30,771 for their early career.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
128 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$34,745 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Lexington, UK is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 39 schools for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were approximately 128 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UK in the most recent data year. After graduation, political science degree recipients usually make about $34,745 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Kentucky

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
354 Political Science Degrees Awarded
2.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Miami, FIU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 13th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 354 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, political science degree recipients generally make around $26,983 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in political science & government from Florida International University

24
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
190 Political Science Degrees Awarded
14.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Raleigh, NC State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 190 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the political science program report average early career wages of $38,321.

More information about a degree in political science & government from North Carolina State University

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
373 Political Science Degrees Awarded
$35,937 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Orlando, UCF is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 373 political science & government students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the political science program make about $35,937 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in political science & government from University of Central Florida

Rest of the Top Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Southeast Region

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Political Science & Government Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
26 University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA
27 Rhodes College Memphis, TN
28 Clemson University Clemson, SC
29 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
30 Elon University Elon, NC
31 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA
32 Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, SC
33 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
34 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA
35 Centre College Danville, KY
36 Christopher Newport University Newport News, VA
37 Furman University Greenville, SC
38 Auburn University Auburn, AL
39 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
40 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS
41 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
42 Appalachian State University Boone, NC

Best Political Science & Government Colleges by State

Explore the best political science & government colleges for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Georgia 287 1,199
Florida 282 2,522
North Carolina 279 1,762
Virginia 274 1,768
Tennessee 269 714
South Carolina 248 768
Kentucky 244 439
Louisiana 242 582
Mississippi 234 294
Arkansas 234 297
Alabama 233 566
West Virginia 207 290

View All Rankings >

Political Science & Government is one of 13 different types of Social Sciences programs to choose from.

Political Science Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Political Science 10,799
Other Political Science & Government 235
Political Economy 80
American Government & Politics (United States) 12

View All Political Science Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Economics 6,259
Sociology 5,685
International Relations & National Security 3,076
General Social Sciences 2,489
Anthropology 2,059
Geography & Cartography 1,437
Urban Studies 191
Other Social Sciences 173
Sociology & Anthropology 115
Archeology 36

View All Political Science Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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